How Did I Do That?

I get asked a lot about using social media in my work. How did I get started? How do I find the time? How did I know it would make such a difference for the company? How did I deal with the criticism from the old school leaders who are out of touch?

Lots of ‘how’ questions. Today I’ll offer some brief answers.

How Did I Get Started?

Six years ago I was privileged to move into a VP of HR role at an organization filled with great people, but one that had not made any moves into the contemporary talent acquisition space. I hadn’t either.

With mounting vacancies across the organization and a non-existent national employer brand, something had to change. I decided I needed to learn social media tools and bring them to life with the human resources team.

Stop worrying about starting, just get started.

How Do I Find the Time?

For years I preached the gospel of work-life balance…and for years I struggled mightily with work-life balance! The more I understood about being a leader, the more I realized there is only one thing: life balance. Today I integrate my work life, personal life, and digital life into one continuous flow. 

Stop worrying about time, just get started.

How Did I Know It Would Make a Difference?

As a healthcare executive I looked around and found that not many of my peers were using social media personally or professionally (read here —> almost no one.) As I looked outside my industry I saw a flood of successes. I also paid attention to…well…all of society! Why was…(and still is)…healthcare so far behind? It didn’t matter…the data was clear, and I went full speed into social media.

Stop worrying about changing the world, just get started.

How Did I Deal with the Criticism?

When I started to experiment with social tools, those around me (not my team in HR) found it ‘easy’ to poke fun. There was often an undertone of jealousy (and over compensating in my view) because although those folks were incredibly smart, they had simply been left behind. The world of work had roared past them and they did not have the courage to keep up.

Stop worrying about criticism, just get started.

How About You

As you muster up the courage to lead the way, simply focus on one important thing: you! You can take your career to a whole new level. You can bring your organization to a whole new level too.

You, can make a real difference!

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 

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Stronger Than Hate

I've been thinking about the tremendous amount of sadness in the news lately from around the world. There are big things like war, famine, and blatant violations of human rights happening all the time.

Isn't that last comment enough to make you sick? These issues are so common we're not even phased when we hear about them.

Hate and indifference fuel these disastrous situations.

It's Personal
I've discovered over the years that I have a tremendous amount of influence in my life when it comes to hate. 

Sometimes the hate is subtle in the workplace...a quiet joke about someone who might be gay, or a crass comment about a female leader who is driving change. And the room is filled with a mix of nervous laughter and heads facing toward the floor.

Why is it that difference becomes a threat? 

Why is it that so many "professionals" don't realize that they are showing their true feelings when these not-so-subtle comments are made publicly? Seriously, when I hear these things I now react to them...and simultaneously lose all respect for the person saying it. 

I may have to work with you, but I will never cut you any slack again. Ever.

It's Serious
What strikes me as the ultimate in ironies is that the leaders that make crude comments about race, gender and sexuality also expect to be treated with the utmost respect. Ha! Good luck with that one.

"The same people often use religion as their cannon fodder for hate. I'm not a biblical scholar, but I don't recall Jesus saying 'let the white christian straight children come to me.' He actually invited all children to join him."

It's a shame so many leaders today fail to appreciate that message.

How About You
The world is changing...albeit slowly. No longer will the generation that is going to dominate the world of work accept these bigoted and outdated behaviors. Not to mention the legal infrastructure that is finally catching up to a civilized view of the world that treats all people with respect.

It's time for each of us to evaluate the words we use, and the challenges we make to these tired and embarrassing comments in the workplace. Stand up and let your voice be heard.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Cliffs, Difference, and Power

Today is New Year's Eve, and in the United States we're making plans for the big event. People are reaching out to one another, there's lots of conversation, and we're generally waiting with anticipation to see what 2013 will bring.

Sadly, the buzz has nothing to do with celebrating a new year, but instead has us caught up in the never ending melodrama that comes from Washington, D.C., this time focusing on the proverbial fiscal cliff.

The Real Story
It shouldn't come as a surprise to any of us in leadership (or any other part of life) that elected officials struggle mightily to get along. For years we are programmed to believe in ourselves, have confidence, stand up for what we believe in...etc...and then we become professionals and are expected to compromise, see the big picture, and do what's best for everyone.

That seems to me like a fairly sudden change of course.

So if we're raised to have a certain set of beliefs, yet the reality is that we can not get our own way all of the time, and must learn to compromise in order to be successful, why is it that we still struggle as leaders?

Accepting Difference

I believe that this private struggle that has a very public impact is all about difference. Overcoming the natural tendency to want our ideas to win out; or to push an idea forward simply because we don't want to be perceived as looking bad are not realistic strategies, nor quite honestly have they ever been. The workplace needs to embrace the different perspectives, ideas, experiences, and cultures that make our organizations unique.

Yes, some ideas are worth pursuing and others are not going to work. But until we stop talking and start listening to each other, it is unlikely that anything productive will get accomplished. You have the power to change the way differences are handled in your organization. You also have the power to reinforce the status quo through your inaction.

How About You
When was the last time you had to force yourself to stop and hear what a colleague was saying? What if their idea was something you were strongly opposed to...were you able to hear what they were saying instead of preparing your response while they were still talking? The power of difference...give it a try.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Pick Your Battles

I like to stay on top of things. My Inbox, task list, projects, new ideas, and the list goes on. Life just seems to go more smoothly for me if everything goes according to my plans and exactly on my schedule. Yes, that's just how I like it.

Then I wake up, realize my little dream is over, and go to work.

In Control...Really?
One of the painful lessons I've learned over the years...err, continue to learn...is that I simply can not control, manage, react to, and effectively address all of the issues in my world all by myself. It's impossible. However, since I have a bit of an "I-can-do-anything" complex I still catch myself trying.

Note to self => you're not as good as you think you are.

Less Control Means Better Results

As my professional life gets more and more complex, I find myself appreciating the talent around me more than ever. Members of the team provide not only expertise and enthusiasm for the work, but also bring a different perspective that ensures items aren't missed.

One of the pitfalls of getting wrapped up in "my world" is that my biases on how work should get done get in the way of other solutions. Embracing the differences and allowing the team to run with those different ideas is usually the best option.

I need to remember that more than I normally do.

How About You
Are you an HR control-freak? Are you so focused on managing every little issue that you've morphed into having a superiority complex and don't even know it? We can't control everything; nor should we! We need to pick our battles or risk losing not only the credibility of our teams...but also the results we're so fired up to achieve in the first place.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Moment of Silence

There it was again. That nervous laughter when someone in a leadership role made an innuendo about race. The last time it was about being gay. What follows is always the same...an awkward moment of silence, and then the nervous laughter of those sitting around the table feeling compelled to join in, but obviously hating the moment.

The 1970's Were Bad...Right?
Thankfully I was raised in a household that held diversity as a core value. In fact, my parents share a story about me as a young boy that illustrates the point. One winter I saw a black man and a white woman holding hands as they walked down the street, and I exclaimed "that's bad!" In a panic, my parents tried to stay calm and asked me why that was so bad. I answered, "because he's not wearing a coat, it's winter time!"

Thank God for my parents.

It's Better in 2012...Right?

Sadly, the examples I've been exposed to in my professional life are not from the era of  leisure suits and disco balls. They're part of my adult experience, and over the years I've struggled with how to handle the moment when bigotry has shown itself to me.

Probably the ultimate let down is when someone we admire shows their feelings and lets a comment slip out that speaks to their real values. When I experience those moments I put them on a little mental list...a list of those that no longer deserve my respect.

Time To Speak Up

Quite a few years ago I decided I couldn't handle the silence anymore. Since that time I've lost friends, and become much more vocal about rights for people in the workplace. All people. I'm proud that my employer recognizes these same values not only in words, but in who we care for, and how we treat our employees. You see, as an HR professional you truly can advocate for changes to be made in your company that send very powerful messages about equality, difference, and...people!

How About You
What do you do in your moment of silence? Do you take a stand and rise above the others and say what's on your mind? Or, do you let the silence wrap itself around you in a blanket of shame?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Impossible To Fail

"To guarantee success, act as if it were impossible to fail."
  - Dorothea Brande

How might you lead differently today if you knew it was impossible for you to fail? Would you try that new strategy that's been kicking around in your head but you haven't had the courage to put into action? Would you confront someone who needs to be spoken to? Would you make a difference today?

Impossible to fail. I like that.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Turns Out...It's Not About Me

I have the privilege of experiencing a bunch of cool things in my work. Sometimes they're frustrating, and sometimes they're wonderful success stories; but mostly I get to work with a great group of dedicated HR professionals who are pushing hard to make a difference each day. That's pretty awesome.

And sometimes I actually think all of this awesomeness is because of me. Pffft.

Get A Clue

There's nothing like a few minutes of reflection on how work really gets done to make the "Jay-Complex" quickly disappear. I too often find myself getting fired up about this new idea or that new approach and don't take the time to slow down and consider the impact of my actions on those around me. Sure, I come up with a reasonably decent idea every now and then, but...

But sometimes I actually think all of progress we've made is because of me. Pffft.

How About You

So it turns out I can fall into the trap of thinking my success is mostly about me. I am fortunate to have such a patient and understanding team that sees through my weakness, pleasantly smiles, and then waits for me to come back down to earth. Do you appreciate your team, or do you spend a lot of time - like I do - making that damned Pffft sound?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Just Like Me

Why can't everyone look like me, sound like me, think like me, act like me, dream like me, talk like me, work like me, lead like me, worship like me, celebrate like me, argue like me, agree like me, and just be like me?

Simple. Because the world isn't made up of a bunch of people named "me." The world is made up of billions of different people, but they all have one thing in common.

They're all people. Just like you and me.

How About You

Try embracing the differences in people. It's a lot easier than hating.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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B.

B.

Be special.

Be open to difference.

Be fair.

Be your best.


Be professional.


Be consistent.


Be different on pupose.


Be there when someone needs you.


Be amazing.


B.



I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.






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It's Not Enough

It's not enough...

• to whine
• to complain
• to deflect ownership
• to point fingers
• to "take under review"
• to avoid risk
• to watch others
• to do nothing
• to expect someone else to step up
• to be ordinary
• to simply hope
• to ignore difference
• to make excuses
• to keep doing what I've been doing

You and I were meant to do more. Start today.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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5 "Nevers" for Human Resources

"never use the words synergy and task force in the same sentence"

"never use the phrase 'that's not the way we do things around here'"

"never underestimate your potential to influence others"

"never forget the power of difference"


"never believe you are the brightest person in the room"


I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Far Beyond Driven

I've been reflecting on my style lately. Not my clothes, but rather how I approach my personal and professional lives. I've also been thinking a lot about balance. I used to call it work-life balance, but that doesn't really seem to apply anymore. Life balance is more appropriate for me. Work is demanding and requires a lot of time if its going to be done well. At least that's the way I see it.

Work Hard, Play Hard

When I run down the list of my responsibilities, projects, and deliverables at work I get fired up! Maybe I should behave more "professionally" but candidly if you're no longer feeling motivated at work it may be time for a change. I'm honestly in a situation where I have lots of irons-in-the-fire and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Personally I try to keep a stout pace as well. Between family commitments, blogging regularly, a passion for social media, a few speaking gigs and the never-ending battle to stay in shape, I fill my days fairly rapidly. Sometimes I wonder where the downtime is supposed to come from? Then I ask myself, is that what I really want? We all receive messages about slowing down and taking time to smell the proverbial flowers. Hey, I like flowers as much as the next guy, but quite honestly I don't want to slow down. Am I supposed to? Are you?

One Size Doesn't Fit All

I'm finally recognizing that I'm wired a certain way...and I'm not sure if its the right way or the wrong way...but it is who I am. This realization has helped me change my view of the employees in my organization. Should they all be the same? Should they all work and play the way I do? I hope not! I don't want a bunch of "Jays" running around here...I want the richness of difference to make my organization stronger. Plus I think I would go crazy if there were too many of "me" here.

How About You
Are you caught up in the societal messages of what you're supposed to be; or, have you decided to embrace who you are and abandon some false image that you should be striving toward? Its a difficult place to get to...at least it was for me. But once we let go of the pressure on ourselves, we can really see the huge potential through difference that is all around us.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Difference = Success

I've been thinking about the power of difference lately, and what it means to leadership.  My organization has successfully recruited several new leaders who are going to bring fresh perspectives, experiences, and energy to "our world."  We've also promoted others into leadership roles they've earned through hard work and dedication => and they're doing great.  But they aren't quoting chapter and verse of the company leadership manual; rather, they're bringing their unique approach to working with their respective teams.  Our new external leaders have also shown keen insights into our culture, which is exciting to see before they've even stepped foot in their office.

Difference is Cool

What strikes me about this phase of my organization's journey is that the energy I feel is not about another group of bobble heads showing up at our door step; but rather, that a team of high profile leaders from inside and outside the organization are joining our team with totally different perspectives than what we all grew accustomed to..."our way."  I think this is very cool.

Difference is Diversity
The real power of difference, of course, is that other term that gets us so confused -diversity.  It's a powerful word, that once you get over the typical "recruitment quota paranoia" you'll realize is the engine that will drive your organization out of its current rut.  If you don't believe me, think about those that "suddenly" make an impact in your corporate world.  Who are the leaders that do things "differently" and make such a powerful impact?  Hmm...leaders that stand out because they are different....are you with me?

How About You
Difference really is about success.  Considering all of the bad news that the media loves to push on us 24/7 about credit ratings, unemployment, and weak earnings reports; it sure would be nice to enjoy some success for a change wouldn't it?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


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Diversity is You

I’ve been having more and more conversations about diversity lately.  Many of the people I speak to jump to the conclusion that I’m somehow discussing employment practices.  Not true…selection is such a small part of diversity.  I have had somewhat of an epiphany on the topic recently (thanks in large part to Joe Gerstandt.)  As I look around my world, my coworkers, friends, family members, and neighbors, I’ve realized that each of us is different.  Here’s where Joe comes in…diversity is difference.

Damn, that’s good.  Simple and good.

That Means You…and Me

Diversity isn’t only about people, but that is where it starts.  Policies and behaviors and corporate cultures don’t happen without people.  So I’m going to focus my energy in two very specific places at first:  1. Me.  2. Those people around me.

Quint Studer says that when he has an issue with anyone he first looks in the mirror to understand his role in the situation.  I think his approach can work in many settings, including how we view diversity.  If we don’t appreciate our own impact in every encounter with other people, then we are going to miss countless opportunities to embrace difference and make ourselves, and our organizations stronger.

You Are Already Making A Difference

When you walk down the hall and greet an employee you’ve never met before, you are making an impact.  When you greet a customer with a smile and a handshake you are making an impression.  When you intentionally reach out to someone who is struggling you are demonstrating what you are all about.  You are already embracing diversity through your leadership style.  It’s time to recognize it for what it is, and make it grow.

How About You

Have you ever felt intimidated by the term diversity?  When it’s brought up in meetings is it a buzz kill?  Or, is it an opportunity for you to clarify that diversity is simply difference, which means every person in that meeting is already a part of the diversity effort underway in your organization.  Sounds a lot less threatening that way, doesn’t it?

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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